What factors affect image quality in ultrasound? The technology that underpins today’s ultrasound machines is vital to patient health, non-invasively pointing out what’s happening internally. It needs clear and accurate imaging, from checking a developing baby’s health in the womb to pinpointing and treating life-threatening tumors.
How can you achieve an impressively high-resolution picture? Choice Medical Systems, Inc. explains what you need to know about adjusting the settings during a scan.
What Is the Best Resolution in Ultrasound Imaging?
So, what is the best resolution in ultrasound imaging? You need this information well before purchasing or using an ultrasound machine for the best results. There are two options: axial resolution and lateral resolution.
- Lateral resolution uses the width of ultrasound beams to recognize adjacent objects. It only sees slight improvements with numerous focal depths and lines per frame.
- Axial resolution uses short pulse lengths and fewer pulses to perceive objects adjacent to one another. It has proved four times better than lateral resolution.
How to Improve Ultrasound Image Quality for the Best Resolution
If you want to know how to improve diagnostic ultrasound image quality, consider the following ways to change the quality of the image:
Readjusting Depth
The first step for a better image is to reduce the depth and width of your overview image. More focused scans allow the machine to capture clearer images of the area.
Improving the frame rate or temporal resolution also gives more ultrasound images for each second. This means less time between frames for much better quality. You can also zoom in accurately on areas of interest, but beware of pixilation.
Setting the Frequency
The ultrasound transducer has different frequency ranges affecting how deeply sound waves penetrate for image resolution.
- If you only need a little tissue penetration, the object might be quite close to the transducer and only require a high-frequency wave for optimal imaging.
- A low-frequency wave gives a grainier picture but offers deeper tissue penetration.
Amplifying Signals with Gain
Gain also affects image quality in an ultrasound. Increasing gain amplifies the signals more, but this does not always produce a clearer image.
Try increasing and decreasing the gain setting with depth to find a balance between too little (dull or darkened screen) and too much (blurs tissue to produce a whiter screen).
How Can I Increase My Ultrasound Gain?
Time gain compensation alters gain according to depth penetration. The ultrasound beams travel deeper into the tissues, and TGC ensures the ultrasound will show up equally echogenic tissues even when these tissues are at different depths.
- Use the bottom controls to adjust the ultrasound lines at the bottom of the image. They tend to have a lower density.
- Continue adjusting throughout the examination as you shift focus.
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How can I increase my ultrasound gain and other settings for a clearer image? It takes the right machine to help patients to the best of your ability.
What factors affect image quality in ultrasound? Ask Choice Medical Systems, Inc. more at (727)592-5668 today! The team has over 30 years of experience and serves communities in South Pasadena, FL.